Man dies in San Francisco Bernal Heights shooting that left woman, toddler injured
A shooting inside a home in San Francisco Thursday morning left one person dead, another severely injured, and also injured a toddler in what appears to be an attempted murder-suicide.
The shooting happened on the 1000 block of Tompkins Avenue in the city's Bernal Heights neighborhood near the Alemany Farmers Market.
San Francisco police spokesperson Officer Eve Laokwansa said officers who responded found a woman and a man with gunshot wounds. The woman was treated by officers on the scene and medics who then took her to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Medics pronounced the man dead at the home, Laokwansa said.
During the time officers were responding to the shooting at the home, they were advised a toddler had arrived at a hospital after being shot, Laokwansa said. The toddler sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. Police determined the injured toddler was connected to the shooting at the Tompkins Avenue home.
Laokwansa said the incident was isolated and there was no ongoing threat to the community. The circumstances of the shooting and the relationships between the victims were still being investigated, Laokwansa said.
However, a man who identified himself as Anthony Thomas told reporters outside the home that he was the father of the deceased male, who he identified as 24-year-old Antoine Thomas, and that his son died after shooting himself.
"He took his life, um, for some strange reason," Thomas said while trying to hold back tears. "I didn't get a chance to make it here on time to stop it. And uh, now he's gone. Today is my birthday and what a present. So I just tell people just stay away from guns and just try to work out your problems the best way you can. And I have to bury my son, which I shouldn't have to do."
Thomas said the mother of his son's child called Thomas to urge him to come over to the home immediately, and while on his way he received another call from his daughter to say his son had shot the child's mother and then shot himself.
The toddler, who Thomas identified as his grandson, had been taken to the hospital by Thomas' daughter when he arrived at the home.
"My grandson got carried away by my daughter in which she brought him to the hospital, and grandson is okay. The baby mama is okay. And unfortunately my son is deceased," Thomas said through tears.
The San Francisco Fire Department said multiple streets had been closed by police and urged people to avoid the area around the Alemany Farmers Market, which is normally open on Saturdays.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know might be experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, please contact any of the following resources.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or for more information.
The Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, Press 1
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential hotline, online chat, or text. Dial 988 and Press 1 or visit veterancrisisline.net for crisis chat services and more information.
Crisis Text Line
Text SAVE to 741741
The Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To text with a trained helper, text SAVE to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.
